Mets name Willie Randolph manager

FLUSHING, New York -- All those interviews finally
paid off for Willie Randolph.

The New York Mets formally introduced Randolph as the 18th
manager in franchise history Thursday, giving the veteran coach
an opportunity that had so frequently eluded him. Randolph may
have no previous experience as a manager, but he has a lengthy
resume in trying to become one.

"I feel good today because this is where I should be," Randolph
said. "I never really gave up and things just worked out for the
best."

It did not always appear that way. The 50-year-old Randolph has
spent the last 11 seasons across town on the staff of the
Yankees, the first 10 as third base coach and this past season
as the bench coach under Joe Torre.

Along the way, Randolph became baseball's managerial bridesmaid.
He estimates that he had discussions with close to a dozen
teams about managerial openings, only to be told thanks, but no
thanks.

"The (interview) experience helped," Randolph said. "I've gone
to a lot of interviews where I felt like I should have gotten
the job, but each general manager has a decision to make. I
respect the fact they can chose who they want."

Among those interviews was two years ago with the Mets after
Bobby Valentine was fired. Randolph failed to impress
then-general manager Steve Phillips before owner Fred Wilpon
ultimately decided on Art Howe.

But Howe was fired with two years remaining on his contract as
the Mets finished at or near the bottom of the National League
East each of the last two seasons, clearing the path for
Randolph. The affable Randolph was chosen over Texas Rangers
hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo and former Anaheim Angels manager
Terry Collins.

The hiring was the first significant move for general manager
Omar Minaya, who has been on the job for just five weeks. But
it could be the decision that ultimately will define Minaya's
tenure.

"When it was all said and done and you went into the second
interview, there was a consistency about Willie the person and
the passion he had," Minaya said.

There is speculation that Randolph may have been too picky in
his managerial quest and was content to remain with the Yankees
and the annual postseason paycheck it provided.

Randolph, however, insists he did not turn down a chance to
manage the Cincinnati Reds in 2000, claiming that the Reds only
called him back a second time after their top choice, Ron Oester,
asked for too much money.

"The rumors are that I turned down the job. I did not," said
Randolph, whose three-year deal with the Mets has been reported
to be worth about $1.7 million.

Some of the other interviews may have been ones where he had
little or no chance. Commissioner Bud Selig mandates that teams
consider minority candidates and some clubs may have already
made up their mind before interviewing Randolph.

"I think there were a few of those cases," said Randolph, who
becomes the fourth black manager in the major leagues, joining
Dusty Baker of the Chicago Cubs, Frank Robinson of the Expos and
Lloyd McClendon of Pittsburgh.

Minaya, who is Hispanic, could care less about how Randolph
performed in other interviews.

"I've been through interviews myself and thought I had all the
answers," Minaya said. "An interview is overrated, You have to
look at the history of the person and you have to do your
background check. You have to have the courage to give someone
an opportunity."

Minaya may be on to something. Wilpon hired Howe as manager
after being bowled over in an interview and hired Howe on the
spot. The laid-back Howe ended up being totally miscast and
never fully grasped the unique pressures and demands - such as
intense media scrutiny - of managing in New York.

Randolph, by contrast, was raised in Brooklyn and played 18
seasons in the major leagues, primarily across town with the
Yankees. The infielder grew up a Mets fan and finished his
playing career with the Mets in 1992. He still wears his 2000
World Series ring from the Yankees because it involved the
Subway Series with the Mets and was "all about New York."

Minaya was intent on hiring not just an employee, but a partner.

"Look at the Atlanta Braves, there is a partnership between
(general manager) John Schuerholz and (manager) Bobby Cox,"
Minaya said. "Whether it is Brian Cashman and Joe Torre with the
Yankees or Walt Jocketty or Tony La Russa with St. Louis, I
think that is huge. For a winning situation to last, there has
to be a partnership between those two key people."

That partnership will have to be strong to turn around a team
that still has many high-priced veterans who have
underperformed. The Mets have not had a winning season since
2001.

"There are things we need to shore up," Randolph said without
being specific.

Randolph will count on what he learned from Torre, another New
Yorker who knows all about the pressures of the job.

When Torre was hired by the Yankees, one New York newspaper ran
the headline the next day calling the manager "Clueless Joe."
Torre went on win four World Series with Randolph as a trusted
aide.